SRIKAKULAM a story on stone . . .

INTACH DISTRICT CHAPTER All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than mat in which it is published.

©: INTACH. Srikakulam Chapter.

Editor Dusi Dharma Rao, Convenor, INTACH. Photography & Designing : Manda Srinivasa Rao

OO Authors: 1.The Origin 2.The Culture Prof: A.V.Dattatreya Sarma Ms.Jyoti C Singh Deo M.R.College Journalist, Life Member - INTACH Vizianagaram. Visakhapatnam. 3.The Folkart 4.The Epilogue Dusi Dharma Rao Dr.N.Nageswara Rao., I.A.S Convenor - INTACH Ex-Collector, Srikakulam. Srikakulam. Joint Director, Ministry of Tourism. Govt. of

Acknowledgments: This book would not have been possible without the active support of a number of people who contributed in various measures. We are thankful to all of them. It is not possible to mention each one of them. A few of them deserve special mention for their continuous support and guidance. l. Dept. of Archeology & Museums, Hyderabad 2. Prof. Kolluru Suryanaraya, Andhra University 3. Prof. A. Prasanna Kumar, Visakhapatnam 4. All INTACH members of Chapter. 5. Department of Tourism & Culture Govt. of Andhra Pradesh 6. Dist. Tourism Promotion Council, Srikakulam District

Printed at: GK Print House, Visakhapatnam. Published by: INTACH, Srikakulam District Chapter. e-mail: [email protected] Books available at : INTACH, Srikakulam. Cell : 9908101809, 9440759812 E-mail : [email protected] Price: Rs. 500.00 O

CONTENTS O

The Origin ...... 1-12

The Relics...... 13-54

The Culture...... 55-82

The Folk ...... 83-90

The Natural Heritage ...... 91-98

The Epilogue...... 99-112 AA 22ndnd CenturyCentury JainJain sculpturesculpture atat SangameswaraSangameswara Foreword

RAJ BHAVAN HYDERABAD-500 041

GOVENOR ANDHRA PRADESH E.S.L. Narasimhan

I am happy to note that INTACH is bringing out a book Srikakulam- A story on Stone, depicting the rich heritage and culture of this beautiful and picturesque land.

I expect the book will serve as a source publication concerning the life and times of Kalinga Empire, the glory and grandiose of the kingdom which has left an indelible mark on the pristine land.

Srikakulam, known for its rich heritage, has several ancient and popular places of historic importance. Prominent among those include Mukhalingam, the capital of Kalinga Empire and Arasavali, which is one of the four Sun temples, Buddhist monuments, stupas and edifices of historical importance.

The extensive stupas are indicative that Buddhism flourished in this land once and the art and architecture showcases the aesthetic finesse and intricate and rich exposition of the times.

I congratulate all those who are associated with this publication and I am confident it will serve as an important and authoritative throw back on the ancient and rich heritage of Srikakulam.

Governor Inscriptions witnessing the History at Arasavalli

Megalithic Dolmen Chamber of the Iron age period at Dannanapeta. Foreword

Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture Department D-Block, 1st Floor, Room No. 221-A, A.P Secretariat, Hyderabad-500 022, ©:Off: +91 -40-2345 6717 Fax:+91-40-23454966 Res.:+91-40-2360 8883 Cell: 98480 45122 Smt. CHANDANAKHAN, I.A.S., e-mail: [email protected] Special Chief Secretary to Government www.aptourism.in (Tourism)

It gives me immense pleasure to present the coffee table book Srikakulam A Story on Stone published by the INTACH Chapter of Srikakulam District.

I have had the opportunity of serving Srikakulam district as a Joint Collector for some time in the past and it has given me satisfaction to contribute to the development of the district.

The present compilation of the book on history and cultural heritage of the district in a pictorial essay initiated by the Collector Sri Saurabh Gaur and District Tourism Development Council certainly helps the Tourism Sector of the District. I hope that this book will go a long way in creating awareness in the public and bring developmental changes in tourism sector of the district.

I am happy to recollect that a National Rural Art Camp (Workshop) initiated by me in the district in 2007 helped the artisans and painters in tribal population to eke out their livelihood and won accolades at various levels.

I congratulate all the concerned who are instrumental in bringing out the prestigious volume in the history of the district. Shadbhuja Mareechi Idol at Salihundam Foreword

COLLECTOR & DISTRICT MAGISTRATE SRIKAKULAM

SAURABH GAUR, I.A.S., The enthusiasm I had at my arrival to Srikakulam as the Collector & District Magistrate has been verily matched with the expectations and positiveness of the people here. The passion and camaraderie displayed by the people of Srikakulam is very appealing, in that it displays a character of acceptance, benevolence and their openhearted nature.

The book 'SRIKAKULAM - A STORY ON STONE' has provided a solid foundation for identifying the culture and tradition of an ancient civilization that continues to exist; surviving the vagaries of time. The present edition is an attempt to further understand and record the missing elements of man's sojourn from being a nomad to a civilized being. I hope that it would take us a step further in understanding and exploring the potential elements, traditions and the vast knowledge that its trail has left behind.

I feel it is a matter of personal pride that, I have the opportunity to promote the culture and conserve the identity of the glorious past of this region and to help lay a platform for further generations to learn and build upon.

The Upanishad Mandiram, the statues of luminaries of this region that have been installed, the promotion of ancient historical landmarks, the publication of various informative booklets, the launching of Srikakulam website, documentation of heritage sites, intangible cultural heritage of the District and many such activities undertaken by INTACH-Srikakulam, have all been a part of a sustained effort to add life and colour to the historical and glorious past of Srikakulam District.

I earnestly hope that these efforts will fructify and bring back to us a semblance of the glorious and colorful past of this region.

I congratulate all the concerned those who contributed their creativity in presenting the glory of the Srikakulam District in a unique way.

30th March, 2013 (SAURABH GAUR)

THE ORIGIN

Deerghasi Telugu inscription of Banapathi of 1077 A.D. (Nannaya period)

1 Map of the Srikakulam District

2 History is the convergence of divergent division of ancient . influences that shape the past, but it is The , the , the almost impossible to confirm the origin of , and the Buddhist Jataka tales a culture or its genesis. Civilizations rise confirm the antiquity of the region. The epic and decline, tribes divide and merge. Mahabharata mentions that a tribe called Different classes and societies gradually Andhras / Kalingas fought for the Kauruva’s combine over a period of time and a against the Pandava’s. transformed society is formed. The history of the district can be traced Ensconced between the great Eastern to the period when the Nanda’s ruled over Ghats, the Coromandel Coast and the this region in 4th century B.C. After North Coastal plains of Andhra Pradesh, Mahapadma Nanda subjugated northern Srikakulam is located at 18°21’ to 19°10’ India, he assimilated Kalinga into his vast longitude and 83°5’ to 84°5’ latitude. The empire. Pre-Mauryan black polished northern most tip of the state bordering potteries and punch marked coins Orissa. belonging to that era indicate that Kalinga The history of Srikakulam is connected was a prosperous state under the Nanda with the hoary past of Kalinga, a political rule.

Inscription on a pillar at Srikurmanadha Temple.

3 Chandra Gupta Maurya overthrew the last Mahameghavahana dynasty ‘Kharavela’ who Nanda king in 322 B.C. During the time of reigned in the second half of the 1st Chandra Gupta, Kalinga declared itself century B.C was the most illustratious king independent. to have ever ruled over Kalinga. His grandson Asoka invaded Kalinga in The Hathigumpha inscription found in 261 B.C. and incorporated Kalinga into his Udayagiri (now in Odisha) furnishes a extensive empire. The Kalinga war is detailed account on the life and military recorded as the bloodiest war ever in the exploits of this great king. history of India. Over a hundred thousand It was only in 350 AD. that the Gupta were killed and half as many taken monarch Samudra Gupta subjugated prisoners. Kalinga. During this period, Buddhism was The terrible bloodshed caused by the predominant in this region. Excavations war filled Asoka with guilt and remorse. conducted at Salihundam on the banks of Subsequently he embraced Buddhism and river Vamsadhara revealed important followed the principle of Dharma Vijaya. Buddhist remains. Basements and foundations of apsidal brick chaitya and In the early 1 st century B.C. Kalinga stupa’s were excavated. Buddhist stone became independent under a Chedi chief images of Marichi and a few gold coins ‘Mahameghavahana’. The third ruler of the pertaining to the later Satavahanas found

Lotus Symbol Stupa depicting Astangamarga at Salihundam

4 here indicate that Salihundam was a A new dynasty known as the early Eastern flourishing state. Gangas established themselves during this period in Srikakulam district. Indravarma-I Then came the Pitribhaktas who the founder of this dynasty defeated the reigned till the mid 5th century with their Vishnukundin king Indrabhattaraka and capital at Simhapura (Singupuram). The established his rule over the region with Vishnukundin king Madhavarma occupied Kalinganagara as his capital. They also had south Kalinga. a secondary capital at Danthapura. The Matharas of Pithapuram led by The Ganga kings assumed various titles Maharaja Saktivarma threw over the viz., ‘Trikalingadhipathi’ or ‘Sakala Pitribhaktas. These chiefs came into Kalingadhipathi’ (Lord of tri-Kalinga or conflict with another line of chiefs known entire Kalinga). Mukhlingam near as Vasisthas who ruled central Kalinga. Srikakulam has been identified as Each of these chief’s bore the title Kalinganagara, the capital of the early ‘Kalingadhipathi’ (Lord of Kalinga). The Eastern Gangas. reality is that most of these After the decline of the early Eastern ‘Kalingadhipathis’ actually ruled over only Gangas reign, the Chalukyas of Vengi took a part of the Kalinga region.

Two sides of a gold coin excavated at Salihundam

5 6 control of the region. The history of the By the thirteenth century the Gajapathis Chalukyas is largely a record of disputes of Odisha gained control over this region on succession. and finally the fortunes of the Ganga dynasty came to an end. The Gajapathis too had to Vajrahastha-I, a descendent of the early bow to the might of Krishnadevaraya of Eastern Ganga dynasty took advantage Vijayanagara. The conflict came to an end of the internal strife and revived the power after the Gajapathis ceded the territory south of the Ganga dynasty. of Krishna to the Vijayanagara King. It was during their rule that Saivism or Then came the Qutb Shahis. The Qutb the worship of Lord took precedence Shahis appointed fauzdars to control over Buddhism and Jainism. The various regions within their kingdom, who magnificent Madhukeswara temple at in turn employed a feudatory force to Mukhlingam was built during this period. collect revenues in the districts. In the middle of the 11th century the In 1641 A.D. Sher Muhammud Khan was Chola general Karunakara brought Kalinga appointed by the Qutb Shahis as the fauzdar under the rule of the Chola dynasty. of this province. The area extending up to Ichapuram was known by the name Chicacole Circars. Chicacole was the seat

Antiquities excavated at Dantapuram, 6th century B.C.

Left : Doorway of the Someswara Temple at Mukhalingam 7 of the fauzdar, while Ichapuram was the the mosque stands majestically against the headquarters of a Naib. Sher Mohammad sky line. Khan was an agressive man, he soon By the end of the 15th century the Moghuls restored order and peace in the region. had extended their kingdom up to the north He constructed the largest Mosque in of Odisha and the whole of central India. In Srikakulam called the Jamia Masjid, laid 1687, Aurangzeb the Mughal Emperor out a beautiful garden around it and annexed Golconda into his vast Empire thus named it Firdaus. He also secured the ending the sway of the Qutb Shahis in the grant of a village from the Sultan for region. He appointed a viceroy known as maintenance of the Mosque. the fauzdar to administer the territory. An inscription on the gates of the Tax and other revenue collected from the Mosque describes his achievements. entire region was collected here and Another inscription inside the Mosque accounted for before being sent to states that it was built on the foundations Hyderabad to the coffers of the kingdom. In of a temple. Though the garden around it arabic Shika means ‘knot’ and khol means does not exist today, the four minarets of ‘to open’. Shika khol literally means to ‘open

Jamia Masjid built by Sher Mohammad Khan (1641 A.D.) at Srikakulam

8 the purse’. Over a period of time, this area It was during this time that the French, came to be called ‘Shikakhole’ by virtue of it the English, the Portuguese and the Dutch being the centre where tax was collected. were in the process of establishing themselves as traders in the region. In There exist ruins of an old structure keeping with their political ambitions the known as the Dutch bungalow. It was French and the English took sides in the constructed in 17th Centuary A.D. and was war of succession of Golconda. Eventually probably used as a guesthouse by the a French protege, Salabat Jung ascended Nawabs. It was later used by the Bobbili the throne. In return for their favour, Salabat Rajahs as their taluk office, where tax and Jung ceded the Chicacole estate to the other revenue were accounted for. French. When Aurangzeb died in 1707, the The estate was then leased to Viziaram Mughal Empire disintegrated. Taking Raju of Vizianagaram. Taking advantage of advantage of the situation, Nijam-ul MulkAsaf his proximity to the French general Bussy, Jah-I took control of the Deccan region. Viziaram Raju convinced him to seize At the advent of the modern period, this Bobbili, a neighbouring province. region devolved on the Asaf Jahi’s who ruled through their fauzdar.

Remnants of the Dutch bungalow

9 The aftermath of the Bobbili war ended in puram during the Muslim rule, the English a terrible tragedy. The Bobbili king unable called it the northern circars. ‘Chicacole’ was to protect his fort, put to death the women adopted as the official name for the region and children in his fort and himself died and the British carried all transaction fighting. Three days later, Tandra Pappaya regarding the area under this name. Raidu a loyal sirdar of the Bobbili king killed Along with Odisha this region was of Viziaram Raju. strategic importance to the English as a link This set the stage for the French to be between Bengal and the Madras provinces. driven out of the region. Ananda Raju the Many of the Zamindars who had leased successor to the Vizianagaram throne, estates from the Moghuls and also from an joined hands with the British and expelled earlier period held sway over their small the French. With the French driven out of provinces. Notable among there were the region, the English firmly entrenched Chemudu, Sangamvalasa and Palakonda, themselves. all of which were granted by the Raja of Known as ‘Kalinga’ or ‘Veera Kalinga’ Jeypore to his subordinates. during the early times, as Sher Mohammud

Bahmani Coins unearthed in the district

10 With the active financial support of the valleys, large coconut groves, cashew local zamindars, especially of Vizianagaram, orchards, fishing ports and industries, the British created basic infrastructure like Srikakulam today encompasses them all roads, bridges and buildings. Many of which denoting a paradigm shift from an stand to this day. illustratious past towards a progressive future. India gained independence in 1947. The earlier political divisions of ancient India were With potential economic resources in merged into the Indian state. the form of unlimited minerals, extensive forests, fertile lands, rivers and The extent of the district as it stands today hardworking people, the future of the was carved out of Ganjam and district rests solely on the shoulders of its Visakhapatnam districts and a separate administration to bring back the sheen of district was formed and christened as glory and grandeur that the region had ‘Srikakulam’ on 15th August 1950. been bestowed with since times A sea coast measuring 193 kilometres, immemorial. pleasant weather, green forests, deep

Built in 1854, the first bridge leading to Srikakulam - still in use

11 Coins of the British era, found in the District

12 THE RELICS

Buddhist Stupa at Salihundam Monument

13 Magnificient Madhukeswara temple at Srimukhalingam

14 T he east lashed by the Bay of Bengal, the land lined by the great eastern ghats, green fields, virgin forests, magnificent waterfalls, beautiful lakes and culturally the monuments and the temples are an illustration of the magnificent past of the district. Numerous copperplate inscriptions of successive kings unearthed here amply establish the fact that the capital of Kalinga was situated at the present day Mukhalingam on the banks of the river Vamsadhara, about 56 kilometers from Srikakulam. Today a non-decrepit village Mukhlingam was once the capital of the Kalinga Empire. The only remains of the ‘Kalinganagara’, of yore are three magnificent temples that stand loftily in mute testimony of the glory and grandeur that permeated the region centuries ago. The most beautiful temple of them all is the Madhukeswara temple. Kamarnava-ll of the imperial Ganga dynasty began construction of the temple in the 9th century and it was his grandson Immadi Vajrahastha who completed it. It took two generations and several hundred artisans to build the temple.

15 Mithuna Sculpture in Madhukeswasra temple at Srimukhalingam

16 A virtual lyric in stone it is the best- preserved temple of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. Built entirely on stone, the structure is adorned with beautiful carvings of mythological scenes, images of gods and goddesses in various incarnations. The massive entrance of the temple is flanked by huge rock cut lions on either side leading through a splendid archway into the temple precincts. A veritable feast to the eyes, every wall and every doorway is adorned with beautiful friezes and exquisite sculptures. Beautifully carved images on either side of the doorway add beauty and grace to the edifice. Close to it stands the Aniyanka Bhimeswara temple. Built in the 11 th century during the reign of king Aniyanka Ganapathi idol at Madhukeswara temple

The Aniyanka Bheemeswara temple

17 18 Bhimeswara. It is rather plain in comparison temple, it is a stand-alone structure with to the other two temples. The shikara of the beautiful sculptures of various gods and temple resembles the ear of a cow, with goddesses placed in niches on the outer pronounced horizontal layers parallel to wall of the temple. These niches are further each other. beautified with exquisite carvings of flowers, One unique feature here is the presence buds, vines and leaves. of two sculptures of Nandi the divine bull The images of the river goddesses dated to two different periods. One in the Ganga and Yamuna on either side of the Ganga style of architecture and the other doorway add romance grace to the edifice. belonging to the Chola genre of As per Hindu mythology, is the architecture. lord of the universe and he is believed to Close by stands another beautiful stone have transcended the earth in various edifice the Someswara temple. Built during incarnations. One of them is the Tortoise the same time as the Madhukeswara incarnate or Lord Kurmanatha. The only

The Beautifully carved entrance to the temple

Left : Magnificient Gopuram at Someswara Temple in Srimukhalingam 19 20 Mural Paintings on the inner walls - Kaliyamardhanam temple dedicated to the Tortoise incarnate The Icons of the temple are mostly of lord Vishnu is situated in a village named Vaishnavite and some saivite images like Srikurmam about 12 kms from the town of Kalabhairava, Ganesha, Kumara are also Srikakulam. present. The figures of Hari-hara (a The temple belongs to the Dravidian style combination of Vishnu and Siva), Ashta with 3 storeyed vimana and a cloister Dikpalakas etc., are carved very beautifully around it. The sculpture in the temple is a and attractively on hard black stone. Most happy blend of Indian and Orissan styles. of the icons are well preserved which stood Traditions say that it is originally a Saivite the test of times, despite the attacks of shrine of Pathala Siddheswara converted Mohammadans and Maharashtrians. by Acharya Sri Ramanuja as the temple of What is more, there are also mural Kurmanadha. Whatever the legends say, paintings some of which are badly this temple is one of the treasure houses damaged. These paintings, which belong of Hindu iconography as well as sculpture. to the late medieval period, are in the

Lord Krishna Killing Aghasura

Left : The Srikurmanatha temple at Srikurmam 21 22 Lepakshi style. They are executed on the inner walls of the second enclosure (Tiruchuttu Mandapam) on the Eastern and Southern walls. The paintings are mainly imposed by the stories connected with the plays of lord Krishna, especially his birth and child-hood, which are contained in the Bhagavath puranam. The sculpture in the temple is simple and interesting. All the features are well defined and forms are well proportioned. The male figures are usually modelled with broad chest, narrow waist and broadening at the hips. The female figures are beautifully modelled with the bulging breasts and hips, narrow waist and soft and gracefull folds of A close-up view of a pillar at Srikurmanatha

The black granite pillars around the Cloister of the Srikurmanatha Temple

Left : Motif of Swan in the Srikurmam Temple 23 24 the belly. The floral designs animal and troubled him after Nandi the divine bull human figures, conventional and symbolic kicked him, when he tried to force his way sculptures are well-depicted. into the Koteswara temple at an untimely These inscriptions give us a picture on hour. the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, Epigraphic evidence found here which ruled the region from the 4th century establishes the fact that the temple was built to the 14th century A.D. by King Devendra Verma, who ruled over th Architecturally the most striking feature Kalinga during the 7 century. of the temple is the parikrama around the Carved out of a single block of black temple, which is lined by exquisitely carved granite, the idol of the Sun God is an pillars of black granite. Each pillar is unique elaborately carved masterpiece. The hood and is a masterpiece in workmanship. Numerous inscriptions dating back to the 4th century A. D and later are inscribed on these pillars. Initially built as a saivite temple, it was later converted into a vaishnavite temple by a saint who arrived here from Sri Lanka. Worshipping the Sun has been in practice down the ages in many cultures around the world. Worship of the Sun god is of special significance in the Hindu way of life. In all, four temples dedicated to the Sun God are known to exist in ancient India, the Marthand temple at Kashmir, the Modesh temple at Gujarat, the renowned temple of Konark and the Arsavalli temple at Srikakulam. On the outskirts of the town is situated the temple of Lord Suryanarayana, the Sun God. Local legend has it that the temple was founded by Lord Indra to appease the Sun god to relieve himself of the pain, which

Left : The Sky touching Sanctum of The beautiful idol of the Sun-God at Arasavalli Arasavalli Temple in Kalinga Style carved out in ancient ‘Aruna Sila’ 25 26 of Adiseshsa - the mystical serpent is spread in the district is the ‘Pancha Linga Kshetra’. over the figure of the deity, his three An ensemble of five Shivalingas situated consorts Usha, Padmini and Chaya stand along the banks of the river Nagavalli are on one side, his gate keepers stand at the believed to have been founded by base and the lord is represented as riding Balarama, the elder brother of Lord a chariot drawn by seven horses. A lotus Krishna. held in each hand adds to the mesmerizing Three of these Lingas are situated within beauty of the idol. the district, while two of these are located The main entrance of the temple has in the neighboring districts. three doors by which the first rays of the Of the three temples, the Rudra sun enter the main temple and directly Koteswara Swamy temple is located within touch the feet of the presiding deity. This the town of Srikakulam. is witnessed on two occasions every year. The Uma Rudhra Koteswara Swami The most famous pilgrimage periphery Temple on the banks of river Nagavali at

Gopika Vasthrapaharanam beautifully carved at Umarudra Koteswaralayam

Left : The Uma Rudra Koteswara Swamy temple 27 Srikakulam is another beatuful temple on the vimana of which Krishna leelas of Gopika Vasthrapaharanam, Siva murthies and secular figures are carved. Though belong to late medieval period this sculptured styles and other motifs seem to have continued. Initially located downstream at the Golkonda revu, it was housed in a dilapidated structure till a devotee Confluence of Nagavali into Bay of Bengal Mulagapaka Tammaya relocated the temple in 1702. The entrance arch of the temple The second Linga by name Sanga was later built by a trader named meswara is situated at Sangam, a Magatapalli Kamayya Setty in 1774. confluence of three rivers the Swarnamukhi, the Vegavati and the Nagavali. This temple

Triveni sangamam of Sangam (Confluence of Nagavali, Vegavathi, Suvarnamukhi rivers) 28 is a very important pilgrimage centre and tourist destination. Here the peculiarity is that all the three rivers are visible to the naked eye in three diffrent distinct colours. The third Linga is located in a village called Kallepalli, close to the sea. This is the Mani Nageswara Swamy temple. Siva linga of the temple is of two parts depicting Ardhanareeswara half Siva and half Parvathi. Mopusbandaru a village where confluences into Bay of Bengal is a holy pilgrimage.

Shiva at Maninageswaralayam, Kallepalli

The Sangameswara Swamy temple

29 30 About 40 kms from Srikakulam is situated Sita. The idol carved out of a single stone is a town called Razam. It was part of the unique in respect to the fact that it depicts Bobbili estate and is famous for its inherent Sita perched on the thigh of a seated Rama, association to the tragic Bobbili war. Tandra which is a rare portrayal of the lord. Papa Rayudu who killed Viziaram Raju, the The Gopuram of the temple is a 50 feet king of Vizianagaram hailed from here. tall imposing structure built in stone. The About 9 kms from Razam in a village main temple is an impressive array of named Gulla Sitaramapuram, is situated beautiful sculptures and carvings that a beautifully carved temple built by the showcase the skill of craftsmanship at its Bobbili kings about 350 years ago. best. The king of Bobbili on a sojourn to Legends, myths and folklore are all Razam found the idol of Lord Rama and intricately woven into the history and culture of Srikakulam.

Carving inside the main temple The single stone idol of Rama and Sita

Left : The imposing Gopuram of the Sita Rama Swamy temple 31 34 Centuries ago when Lord Rama was on Popular as Yendala Mallikarjuna Swamy his way back to Ayodhya after fourteen years temple, it is a highly revered and venerated in exile, he along with his army is believed to religious destination for the followers of have made a halt at a village called . Raavivalasa near Tekkali. Vibhishana, the During history Kalinga was divided and younger brother of Ravana was part of the subdivided into smaller states and fiefdoms retinue. It was here that he breathed his last. ruled by local chieftains and landlords. Some At the spot a Shivlinga with white strips is of these states have lasted over a thousand believed to have sprouted. This Shivlinga, it of years and have left behind the remnants is said grows by over an inch every year. of their legacies, culture and unique traditions Today it is a massive Linga measuring over in the temples and palaces that they built. 50 feet tall with a girth of about 23 feet.

Sri Vasudeva Swamy tempe at Mandasa

Left : The massive Shivalinga at Sri Yendala Mallikarjuna Swamy temple 33 34 Mandasa was one such state, which was established, by Vaman Singh Deo in 1206A.D. One of the most beautiful structures built by the rulers of Mandasa is the Vasudeo Swamy temple. Built by Harihara Raja Mani Deo and dedicated to the family deity, it is a stone structure adorned with numerous carvings of the Hindu gods and goddesses. A unique aspect of this region is that the temples are decorated with erotic figures in various moods carved on stone. The residential quarters of the royal family of the Mandasa rulers known as the Mandasa Fort was built by Lakshman Raja Mani Deo in 1779. It is an imposing edifice that stands loftily against the skyline as if reminding the grandeur and magnificence of the Shiva Parvathi Idol Carved out of single stone bygone era.

Glass Paintings of 17th Centuary inside the Mandasa fort

Left : The Mandasa Fort 35

The most grandiose and extravagantly designed Church in the region is situated in Palakonda Town of the District. With a primary and a secondary school annex, it is a land mark in its own right. This church was built 150 years back by a french father to promote Christianism. Urlam, Devidi Samsthanams patronized Arts and letters which Residential building of Bonthalakoduru Jamindars promoted Sanskrit learning. Great scholars and eminent luminaries served Bonthalakoduru Samsthanam also served the and produced literature in Sanskrit and cultural and literary fields. It promoted fine elevated the Samsthanam to the level of Khadi which brought identity to the district at a university during 18th & 19th centuries. National Level.

Ancient Urlam Samsthanam Building

Left : Restored flamboyant facade of the Palakonda Church. 37 36 One of the most beautiful temples in the district is the Radha Govinda Swamy temple at Meliyaputti. Situated on the Andhra-Odisha border, this temple was built by the kings of the Parlakemundi Gajapathi dynasty. Veera Virendra Pratap Rudra Gajapathi Narayana Deo built it, exclusively for his queen to perform her prayers. Built in the Oriya style of architecture with erotica as the dominating theme, it is poetry on stone. The beautiful carvings on the temple are believed to depict the gist of the four Vedas. The corridor around the temple is lined with 32 pillars. Carvings on the outer wall of the temple depict stories and tales of various incarnations of Lord Krishna. About two hundred years old, this temple was the pride of the Gajapathi kingdom. During its hey days, there were twenty two priests appointed to perform the daily rituals. Erotic carvings

Parikrama of Meliaputti temple

Left : The Radha Govinda Swamy temple at Meliyaputti 39 Every year on the eve of Holi pournami Jalantara was another such fiefdom, in the month of April, and on the occasion which came into existence in the 16th of Rakhi pournami, the idols of the presiding century. Though the main fort of this family deity Lord Krishna and those of Radha and is in ruins, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lalitha are taken out in a grand procession Lord Krishna stands at the entrance of with pomp and gaiety. what was the fort. It is a single structure built in Oriya style.

The Radhakrishna temple at Jalantara

40 There are a number of fiefdoms that have impressive archway at the main entrance, left their cultural identity in the temples, forts showcases an era of self-sufficiency and and palaces they built. affluence. Tarla Kota is one place worth mentioning. Not much is known about the rulers of this Scores of temples each grander than the area, except that it was ruled by the Suro other cover the entire region. Under the dynasty since 1040 A.D to the time when the influence of the Gajapathiis of Odisha, this Privy Purse was abolished after India attained region rose into prominence in the 11th century. Independence. It is believed that the Gajapathi kings granted Going by the number of temples in the the estate to a loyal follower in recognition of vicinity, they were probably highly religious and his services. god fearing. The entire region is sprinkled with The ruins of the palace portray a glimpse of temples dedicated to various gods and the opulence of the rulers. A three storied goddesses. A few square miles and about a structure built on a raised platform, with a hundred temples signify the important role huge central hall, a mandapam, and an played by religion in the agrarian society.

The Tarla Kota

41 40 Surrounded by hills on all sides, carpeted with lush green fields, dotted with numerous temples, the area is a beautiful sight. The most beautiful temple here is the Jagannadha Swamy temple. Situated at the main entrance of the once opulent palace, it is the remnant of a distant past when the kings bowed their heads in reverence to the gods before they entered the palace. Built in the typical Oriya style of architecture, it is a massive stone structure set against a backdrop of lush green forests and hills. The majestic structure is replete with numerous carvings of religious deities that adorn the walls of the temple with a touch of erotica. An erotic carving adorning the Jaganadha Temple

The Jagannadha Swamy temple

Left : The Sculpted Corridor of the Venugopala Swamy Temple at Tarlakota 43 42 Close by, the Balajee temple stands majestically in isolated splendour. Built in solid stone, it resembles the Radha Govinda temple of Meliaputti. Ensconced within the hills of the Eastern Ghats, in the lap of nature, the temple is highly revered by the local populace. Close by stand the temples dedicated to Lord Varadaraja Swamy, Lord Radhakantha Swamy, Lord Venugopala Swamy and Lord Hanuman. Legends abound in this land of temples, some believable and some not so believable. Irrespective of the fact, faith and belief in the minds of the people is Mural Paintings at Tekkali Palace one of respect, veneration and reverence.

The Balajee temple

Left : Ancient someswaralayam at Tekkali of 17th Century A.D. 45 The Janardhana Swamy temple at Baruva dreamt of Lord Janardhana Swamy. He is one such temple. Steeped in folklore it is urged them to install the idol in a temple deeply revered by the fisher folks of the and offer regular prayers and invoke his town. Baruva has predominantly been a blessings. fishing port since ancient times. To this day the tradition of offering As per local folklore, the nets of a prayers before embarking into the sea fisherman got entangled to a heavy object continues. The local fisher folk offer lying on the seabed. When they fished it prayers to invoke the lord’s blessings for out, they found an idol. While they tried to their safe return and a good catch. bring the idol to the shore, the little finger Every year in the month of November on the left hand of the idol broke off and to on the eve of ekadasi (eleventh day of the their surprise blood oozed out of it. They waxing moon) the entire fishing community feared that calamity would befall them and gathers here from all the surrounding prayed fervently. That night one of them villages and celebrate.

Sri Janardhana Swamy temple at Baruva

46 All night they revel in the festivities. Firespitters dance with fire, the drummers beat drums and they make merry till dawn. An inscription on the temple reveals the period of construction of the temple as per the Hindu Jovian year. The idol of the Lord is exquisitely carved with a mysterious aura emanating from it. Another beautiful temple in Baruva is the Jagannadha Swamy temple. It is believed to be around 700 years old. Built in the traditional Oriya style of architecture, it is adorned with numerous carvings of gods and goddesses. Like most of the temples built in the Oriya style of architecture, the sculptures Ancient Temple Bell presented by Krishna Devaraya

The Sri Jagannadha Swamy temple

47 on the outer walls of this temple too are also Swamy matham. A sage who, on a based on erotica as the underlined theme. pilgrimage to Rameswaram reached this spot So many holy places, so much history, it and decided to halt. But to his dismay, he is but natural that pilgrims flocked in large found only a pond of fresh water and no numbers since ages. A number of ashrams other amenities for the pilgrims. He decided and dharamshalas were constructed to to stay back and serve the hungry and tired relieve the weary pilgrims. A few of these pilgrims. Empty handed that he was, he still function after hundreds of years of prayed to Lord Jagannadha Swamy and service. One of them is the Jagannadha placed the onus on the Lord’s shoulders to

Sri Jagannadha Swamy matham

48 provide food and shelter to the pilgrims. The Dargah where one inscription revealed that next morning a trader appeared and donated it belongs to 16th Centuary. Buddhist Stupa rice, firewood and pulses. The then king of at Nagaralapeta had 2000 years ancient Jalantara Kota donated land for construction history. This town became very prominent of the temple. from 17th Centuary A.D. as an important port city for exports and imports on the East India Kalingapatnam is the ancient port town coast. Satavahanas conquered this port in Srikakulam district. It is at a distance of Before Christ and Gouthamiputra Satakarni 25 km to District head quarters. For so many (152 B.C - 96 B.C.) developed Buddhism years historians viewed Kalingapatnam as and also marine trade from Kalingapatnam. one of the capital towns of Kalinga Desa. During Muslim rule Arab Dhows had regular Remains of “Kota Dibba” (Fort heap) on the trading with Persia and Mesapatomia (Iraq). outskirts of the town and presence of a Early Europeans mainly Dutch occupied the Buddhist stupa near Nagaralapeta, which is port in 17th Centuary. Syed Kalinga Madina more than 2000 years age, decide the Oulia Baba Durgah which belongs to 16th anitiquity of the village to Before Christ. Centuary stands as a testimony of Hindu Another evidence is that there is an ancient Muslim Unity.

Old Light House and New Light House of Kalingapatnam Port

49 Ichapuram, the northern most tip of the district and also for the state of Andhra Pradesh was one of the most important major transit point for traders between southern and eastern India during the Muslim rule to the pre- independence era. Traders from either side would congregate here and transact business with the traders of the other side and return home. Today it is just a mere border town between the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. There is ample evidence here to establish that this was an ancient town that existed hundreds of years ago. About 700 years ago a Muslim saint ‘Baba Fariduman’ came here from Afghanistan to spread the word of Allah. For forty days he meditated on a nearby hill. He stayed on to spread the The Peerla konda message of universal love. He was fond of sugar and it is believed that he planted they did witness the phenomenon a tree that sprinkled a sugar like substance. The tree does of the sugar-sprinkling tree in not exist anymore, but the elders of the town swear that their childhood days.

The Jamia Mosque at Ichapuram

50 Many a miracle is attributed to this saint. Jamia Masjid was built 400 years ago by The most recent one being in 1978 when Nawab Mustafa Khan, a representative of the rising waters of the Chilka lake flooded the Asif Jahi rulers of the Deccan. An the town. The residents ran up the hill to inscription in Persian script inside the save themselves. There they prayed for mosque states that the mosque was built by protection. They say that a loud rumbling the grace of Allah and is dedicated to the was heard for atop the hill after which the people. The nawab is believed to have built waters receded and the town was safe. Since 365 mosques. He would visit one mosque then people of all religions visit this mosque everyday and offer prayers only on one every year to pay their respects to the saint occasion in a year. Not many of these ‘Hazrat Shaik Farid Shakar Ganj’. Locally mosques exist today, but they do give a referred to as Peerlu Konda, literally meaning glimpse of the extent to which the Muslim the ‘hill where saints dwell’. rule permeated. Another mosque at the foot of the hill In the olden days, all religions existed in stands as testimony to the influence wielded harmony. Amply established by the fact that by the Muslim rulers. The ‘Maslaq-Ala Hazrat a number of ancient temples dedicated to Aheley Sunnatul Jamat’ also known as the various Hindu gods and goddesses still exist.

The inscription in Persian script inside the Jamia Mosque at Ichapuram

51 One such temple is dedicated to the village deity Sri Swechavathi Ammavaru temple at Ichapuram. The Surangi rajah’s ruled this region till the Privy Purse was abolished and the province was merged with the state of Andhra Pradesh. The residential palace of the kings stands till today magestically at Ichapuram represents the architectural style of Kalinga construction. The Kings patronized arts, letters, education and Oriya language. The colourful arches of the palace

The Palace of the Surangi Raja’s - Ichapuram

52 For the British, Ichapuram was a major the bridge was built in 1929 at a cost of route connecting the Madras Presidency to 3,11,000 Rupees. It still stands strong and Bengal. They contributed towards building connects Ichapuram to the rest of the infrastructure such as roads and buildings region. that not only helped their troops and other The glory of the district that was once contingents move with ease, it did boost trade part of the great Kalinga Empire, ruled by and commerce considerably. the mightiest of kings still remains scripted A few of the remnants of the British on its ancient temples, in the ruins of its contribution to the area still exist to this day. forts and stone edifices. One of them being the bridge over the river More appropriately it would be apt in ‘Bahuda’ that cuts across the province. terming it as the story of the hoary and Named the “Sri Ramachandra Mardaraja colourful past on stone. Bridge” a plaque on the bridge indicates that

The Sri Ramachandra Mardaraja Bridge over the river Bahuda, Ichapuram

53 52 THE CULTURE

A dancer from the district Dr. Swathy Somnath in Kuchipudi Dance form

Left : A stone carved grill at the Gulla Sita Rama Swamy temple. 55 One significant tribe that lived in eastern ghats from Mahendra giri mountain to the river Godavari is Savaras who figured as ‘Sabaras’ in ancient literature. Probably due to territorial proxmity, their way of life resembles that of the khonds, another tribe. Premitive savaras and Kapu Savaras are two important clans in this tribe. They used to live by making bamboo articles (Kundalalu), metal objects (Loharas), and some of them are weavers (Arasees). Painter Painting Savara Art

Tribal Savara Art of Srikakulam District

56 The religious belief of the savaras seems to have revolved around nature and agriculture. They worship ‘Jokara’, ‘Loddalu’ (Jalia), the idols of goddesses. During the harvest seasons they sacrifice animals. They follow some distinct customs at death rituals.

They celebrate ‘Vasantha Punnami’ the fullmoon day of the spring season by recollecting the memories of their elders. The other festivals of the savaras include ‘Aagam Panduga’, ‘Mamidi Panduga’,

‘Chukkala Pandaga’ and ‘Puli Pandaga’. Women praying family Goddess

Savara art in style on pot Man made with Clay in Savara Style

57 56 Situated on the east coast of the country the demographic structure of the district varies. There are the hills as well as the plains, the climate too varies and so do cultivation and occupation of the people. While agriculture is main source in plains, cashew, coconut and Jack fruit trade makes the Uddanam area rich and affluent. Paddy, pulses, sugarcane and other crops are benificial to the people in the district. Podu cultivation on ghats, cattle rearing and The Podu crop of Tribals trading forest products are main sources of few other means of survival that exist in the the economy of the tribals. area. The land is fertile and abundant water While fishing and cashew farming are the also available. Paddy cultivation is high in major occupations of the area, there are a this region and rice is grown in abundance.

A farmer ploughs his fields

Left : The large tract of rice fields in the district 59 A weaver at his loom weaving Khadi - Ponduru 60 Srikakulam is also known as the land where the finest khadi is woven. Ponduru is a small village where the world’s best khadi is available. Khadi from Ponduru is famous among khadi lovers of the entire country. Mahatma Gandhi is also said to have been surprised at the finesse of the khadi produced here and he always preferred khadi from this village. He is said to have sent his son Devdas to Ponduru to inquire about the authenticity of the fabric. Mahatma Gandhi also wrote about it in ‘Young India’, a National daily during the pre independence era. Women spinning yarn

The beauty of Ponduru Khadhi - Border on Sarees 61 Beauty in metal - Bronzeware from Budithi 62 Budihiti bronze work has also made a place for itself in the national and international market. The intricate weaving in bronze is a unique feature and the products are much sought after by tourists as well as locals. There are beautiful idols of Gods and various other utility articles like water pots, chariots, flower vases, cooking utensils in solid bronze and gunmetal. Tourists from India and foreign countries place orders for articles of their choice. It is a wonder how these craftsmen survived all vagaries of time. History has it that these craftsmen enjoyed royal patronage of the kings. But as time passed and India became Independent, the patronage An Idol of Lord Rama in Solid Bronze diminished and these craftsmen who were mostly jewellers diverted their skills into more affordable metals like bronze.

Crafts men at work 63 Bejjipuram Eco-friendly Jute Products 64 In the changing times of the modern society, the use of natural eco-friendly Jute products attract the attention of the lovers of handicrafts. The products of Bejjipuram stand as a testimony to the artistic creativity and aesthetic taste of its makers. The youth club of Bejjipuram is running a small scale industry producing utility items like folders, hand bags, photo frames, wall hangings etc. from jute on the lines of export quality. It is flourishing with good marketing avenues in- ternationally. Handicrafts produced by women in the district are making them self sufficent. The Sojourn of man from making pots with clay to making vessels with various metals is quite interesting in the evolution of Artistic beauty of house made with Ice Cream Sticks civilization of mankind.

Women working with Jute 65 Beauty of flowervase made of Terra Cotta

66 Popularly known as Kummari in our villages, the potter collects clay and damps it. Putting this clay on a wheel and turning it he makes pots of various sizes. They will be kept in a Avam (furnace) for some days to become harder. Still in our villages poor people utilise these clay vessels for cooking and other purposes. With the competition of metal vessels, the clay models are gradually disappearing giving place to bronze, alluminum and steel. Elephant made of Terra Cotta

Potter at his wheel

67 Srikakulam has had the share of prominent he scaled unsurpassable heights of personalities who contributed immensely to sustenance and was able to mould hundreds the development of Telugu art and culture. of minds. “Unwept, unhonoured and unsung, Music, dance and drama have been an died the great poet” states Tekumalla, when integral part of the common mans way of he speaks about a freedom fighter who life in the region since ancient times. moulded a whole generation against the Garimalla Satyanarayana one of the British rule. Mahatma Gandhi is said to have pioneers of the freedom struggle hails from been surprised at his imprisonment on the Srikakulam. His patriotic rendering of words occasion of his writing the song ‘Maakoddee encompassed in the form of verses ignited Telladorra tanamu’. a strong sense of patriotism within his After finishing his graduation, he worked fellowmen and brought about a feeling of as a clerk at the District Collector’s office in angst against the British. Ganjam district for a short while. He also Though born into a poor Brahmin family, worked as a teacher at Vijayanagaram.

Praja Kavi Garimella Satyanarayana

68 The prison walls could not contain his thirst Chatti Purnayya Panthulu was a greatly for literary skills and he went on to learn revered dramatist of his times. The British Tamil in the jail, after which he translated Government bestowed him the title of ‘Rao ‘Tirukkuaraal’ and ‘Naandiyar’ from Tamil. He Bahadur’. He was appointed the Municipal also translated a Kannada poem ‘Tallikota’. Chairman of Chicacole (Srikakulam) in 1921 He also translated ‘The economic conquest and continued for a second term in 1927. of India’ by Pattabhi Seetaramaiah into It was during his tenure that Mahatma Telugu. Some of his original works are Gandhi visited Srikakulam, where he was Swaraajya Geetamulu (1921), Harijana honoured with a citation on Ponduru Khadi, Paatalu (1923), Khandakavyalu and which was auctioned for Rs. 250 and the Baalageetaalu (1926). He also wrote for proceeds donated for the welfare of the various daily and weekly journals such as Harijans. Grihalakshmi, Krishnapatrika, Anandavani, Dhanka, Andhra Prabha, and Bhaarati etc. It was during his tenure that the Chicacole municipality adopted a resolution boycotting

Natacharya - Chatti Purnayya Panthulu

69 Gidugu Rama Murthy Panthulu - The Thunderbolt

70 the Simon commission, the only municipality a place for it in the educational system. As in India to do that. a pedagogue and an educationist, ‘Gidugu Chatti Purnayya Panthulu was a lawyer Rama Murthy Pantulu’ was ahead of his by profession but was also a versatile stage times. artist. He played the roles of Othello, Hamlet, He thought of emancipating the society King Lear and also heroes from Indian through simplification of language. He was Mythology. His portrayal of the role of Shivaji a creative writer of grammar and effective in the play ‘Roshnara’ was legendary. His prose. portrayal of Shivaji on stage was so realistic, Fondly called ‘Pidugu’ (the thunderbolt) that he rode a real horse on stage while he was the first to realize the importance of acting the role. linguistics as a science. He led a movement Apart from numerous titles that were for making Telugu the vyavaharika bhasha, conferred on him in India, he was honoured or the medium of teaching in schools and with the title ‘Natacharya’ in France. colleges. The that was laden The man who was awarded the title of with Sasanas (inscriptions) or kavyas ‘Mahamahopadhyay’ was a visionary who (language laden with Sanskrit) was almost transformed the Telugu language and created incomprehensible to the common telugu speaking people till then. He realized the

Kalaprapurna Gidugu Seethapathi

71 importance and efficiency of the direct Niketan, where he was awarded a Golden method of teaching languages. His love for Plaque with the title ‘Veenacharya’ signed the Savara people, of the munda tribe, by Rabindranath Tagore himself. bordering Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, He belonged to a small village called inspired him to form a script for the Bittivada Agraharam and went on to be the language. He prepared lexicons and taught Royal musician at the house of Pithapuram the tribals at his own expense. Undeterred Zamindars. Well versed in western and by the orthodox Sanskrit educated pundits, Hindustani music, he also mastered the art he emphasized the use of spoken language of playing the saptaswaras on a single string to be the medium of education and the credit of Veena. of the acceptance of the language goes to Gidugu’s tenacity and commitment. Gidugu Venkata Seethapati won his first award for composing poems at a young age Tumarada Sangameswara Sastry was of twelve years on the occasion of the acclaimed as a great musician of all times. Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Veena Seshanna, the great Veena maestro Victoria. from Mysore praised him and said that it was divine music that flowed his Veena. One of his major contributions has been Rabindranath Tagore too invited him to Shanti the translation of the Bible into Telugu. His efforts to bring Savara Language into the

Andhra Visaradha - Tapi Dharma Rao

72 mainstream were upheld and he was on serious subjects were easily understood awarded D.Litt in America to pursue his by the common man and hence made them research work. Andhra University also immensely popular. He had many awarded him the ‘Kalaprapurna’ in 1965. publications to his credit. Among them an When the states of Andhra Pradesh and elegy titled ‘Nalli pai Karunyam’ (Pity for the Odisha were being demarcated, he bedbug), stand out. India adukku thine valla staunchly opposed the merger of 600 sabha (All India Beggars Association) was villages into Orissa and insisted that the a popular humorous satire penned by him. villages be made a part of Andhra Pradesh. His research on the erotic sculpture on To this effect he kept the members of the temples has been an eye-opener. His British Parliamentary Committee in London extensive findings on the subject were spell bound by his arguments for 45 mins. published in a volume titled Devalayala pai Boothu Bommalu (Erotica in the temples). A legend of all times and a literary genius, Taapi Dharma Rao, who is better known as A well-known literary figure, Tripurana ‘Andhra Visaaradha’ penned many Telugu Venkata Prasada Rayakavi had mastered songs for Telugu cinema, all of which went the Pancha Mahakavyas of Telugu on to be great hits. Literarture by the age of twenty. He rewrote many ancient Sanskrit texts like the Uttara His light hearted and humorous stories Ramayana and Raghuvamsa Ramayanam.

Kalaprapurna Tripurana Venkata Prasada Raya Kavi

73 Kodi Rama Murthy - Indian Hercules

74 He was the court poet of the Jeypore palace. During a literary meet in Madras in 1922, he was awarded a ‘Simhatalatam’ (a golden bracelet with lion head ends), which signified his stature as a torchbearer in the field of literature. He was awarded the title ‘Kalaprapurna’ in 1943 at Andhra University. Kodi Rama Murthy was the greatest wrestler of all times. Born in Veeraghattam, his family moved to Vizianagaram after his father’s demise. There he was employed as a coach at a local gymnasium under the aegis of the Raja of Vizianagaram. In 1911, on the occasion of King George V’s visit to India, he performed rare and dangerous feats. He broke iron chains with his bare hands, held a motor vehicle from moving with his bare hands. He held King George in awe as he balanced an elephant on his chest for over five minutes. Impressed by his strength, King George V conferred upon him the title ‘Indian Hercules’. Kalaprapurna Raja Vikram Dev Varma He was a yogi, with great control over his mind. He is said to have undergone the entire A great literary personality he contributed painful procedure of getting his knee greatly towards the development of Telugu operated while chatting to the medical team and Oriya literature. As the pro-chancellor without any anesthesia. Later he revealed to the Andhra University for over two that it was with the help of yogic discipline decades, he contributed both financially and that he was able to block the sensation of otherwise to the growth of the university. As pain in his body. an acknowledgement of his commitment and association the ‘College of Science and Raja Vikram Dev Varma, the heir to the Technology’ at Andhra University bears his Parlakhemundi royal house was born in 1869 name to this day. He was also awarded the June 28 in a village called Nagari Katakum, titles of Kalaprapurna and Honorary near Srimukhalingam. He was the heir to the Doctorate for his contribution to Telugu Kingdom of Jeypore. He was a poet of great literature. stature himself and a great patron of art.

75 Manikonda Chalapathi Rao

76 Manikonda Chalapathi Rao Popularly He accompanied Nehru as the leader of called ‘M.C.’ was one of the most eminent the Indian press delegation on his historic journalists to be born in Srikakulam. Born in 1955 tour of the USSR, Poland and a village called ‘Amba Khandi’, he started Yugoslavia. He was also a member of the his career as a barrister at law. His foray Indian Government’s goodwill mission to into journalism began as a free lancer, who China in 1952. penned editorials for ‘Triveni’ and ‘The He was a member of the UNESCO Press People’s Voice’ Newspapers. Experts Committee. He represented India in He was an authority on the Nehruvian the Uninted nations General Assembly thought. For over thirty years M.C. was the (1958). He was also a member of the editor of “The National Herald’ a daily Initiating Committee of the International founded by Jawahar Lal Nehru. He also Press Institute. authored several books on Indian journalism, Purana vachaspathi, Kavya Thirdha politics and personalities. During the Bankupalli Mallayya Sastry a Vedic Scholar independence struggle he was part of the born in Singupuram translated vedas into underground press movement. Telugu. Kondaveeti Vijayam a historical poem

Purana Vachaspathi Sri Bankupalli Mallayya Sastry

77 Padmabhushan Dr. Sripada Pinakapani Doyen of Carnatic Music Priyagraharam 78 is his magnum opus prescribed by before he tookup lecturers post in Universities as text book for graduation mathematics at Presidency college, Madras. classes. As a social reformer he arranged The English - Telugu dictionary worked out entry to thousands of scheduled caste by him passed through five editions during people into Hindu temples. His widow his life time. His father Mr. Ramanujaswamy daughter Krishnavenamma was given in came to Srikakulam as a dubasi to marriage to Gouthami Kokila Vedula Mr. Russel a colonial ruler who identified the Satyanarayana Sastry a renouned poet. The merits in Sankara Narayana and ‘Vivaha vyavastha’ and ‘Asprusyatha’ written encouraged him to follow lexicography of by him encouraged widow marriages and Sir C.P. Brown. “The lexicons of Sankara eradicated untouchbility in the society. Narayana are so well known to the Telugu public and have become so indespensable One of the greatest personalities of the in the Telugu Country, that any district who won the hearts of the people recommendation looks superfluous”. and awards of the Government, a renouned surgeon, a well known writer and a doyen in South Indian Classical music is Dr.Sripada Pinakapani. Born in Priagraharam, he studied medicine in Visakhapatnam, served as medical professor at Kunrool. A number of titles like ‘Ganavidya varadhi’, Sangeetha Kala Sikhamani’ ‘Kalaprapurna’ and Padmabhushan adorned him and out of the gold of such awards he made gold ornaments and donated them to the temple of Srirama at Bhadrachalam. He published a number of books like ‘Panineeyam’, ‘Swararamam’, Na Sangeetha Yathra etc. Dr. Paluri Sankara Narayana a multi- linguist and mathematician happened to be a student of Municipal High School Srikakulam. He also worked as teacher in the same school as a contemporary of Dr. Chilukuri Narayana Rao another great Scholar. He also worked as tutor at Jaipur, Pithapuram, Nuziveed and Cochin estates

Paluri Sankara Narayana Compiler of English Telugu Dictionary 79 Sri Kurmapu Narasimham popularly known as K.N. is one of the proud sons of the soil of Srikakulam. He mastered the art painting following the School of Raja Ravi Varma. He won accolades from all walks of life for his wonderful sense of aesthetics. The painting of lord Buddha demonstrates his skills and plunders the hearts of all the art lovers. He is famous for oil paintings. He was one of the two artists invited by Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam to portray a life size painting of lord Balaji, which certainly placed him on a very high pedestal in domain of artists.

Famous Painter Kurmapu Narasimhamam

Portrait of Dhyana Buddha Shakunthala at Ashram

80 Vaddadi Papayya, or Vapa (as he was He drew pictures exclusively for the popularly known) the man who romanced monthly ‘Chandamama’, basically a colours, is today acknowledged as the magazine that published stories from the greatest painter to have ever set foot in ancient texts for children. The Srikakulam. ‘Chandamama’ was extermely popular by Though few of his original works seem to virtue of the illustrations by ‘Vapa’. have survived, his art continues to live in the He painted pictures for many periodicals printed versions of the numerous magazines viz., Yuva, Andhra Patrika, Abhisarika, for which he drew and painted. Bharathi, Swathi etc.,

Vaddadi Papayya

81 Portrait of Innocent Girl - Vaddadi Papayya

82 THE FOLK

Gangireddulata

83 82 The richness of day-to-day existence of shepherd community of the district. Initially, generations of civilisations and culture during the nights the shepherds would gather culminate in various expressions of art, viz., at a place and sing songs during the nights dance, song, music and otherforms. to keep predators away from their flock of Srikakulam has its cultural ethos sheep, with an occassional thumping on their encapsulated in its art forms that are unique chests with bare hands. in retrospect to the region that represent its Overtime, he tied a hollow tin on to his socio-economic conditions. chest and wore anklets and added rythm to The most popular art form of the district his songs in praise of Lord Krishna. ‘The Tappeta Gullu’ is an embodiment of What we witness today is a refined form mans ability to mould himself to his environs of the primitive art of dance and song, that and the spirit to tame natures forces. has evolved into a colourful art form This art form is played specifically by the combining acrobatic feats, dance and music.

Chenchu Bhaghavatham

Left : Performing the Tappetagullu 85 Satya bhama in Thurpu Bhaghavatham folk art form Artist : Bothalakoti Samba Murthy. 86 Another intriguing art form is the ‘Chenchu is the most popular of these. The simplicity Bhagavatham’. Practised by an aboriginal of portraying various mythological stories in tribe called the ‘Chenchu’ it is a narrative the form of a song is the beauty of these art form performed by a group attired in solo art forms. A male dressed as a woman traditional tribal gear with horns of animals tells the story.The accompanying artists and costumes of hide, headgear decorated carry two percussion instruments called the with feathers add colour to the performance. ‘Jamukus’. It is a hollow drum, with one end The theme of narration in this art form is closed with hide of a goat. A chord binds based on a descriptive form of the love and one end of the drum to the hide. When the romance between Lord Vishnu and his string is struck it makes music and is played consort. Solo art forms have been around in rythm of the song. for ages. Developed basically to get the royal Each festival brings on veritable feast of edicts or other messages of social welfare various art forms in the country side. The across to the people. These later took the Erukala Paata, Pandiri Paata, Siva form of folk art with attributes from each Bhagavatham, Gangireddu Aata, Puli culture. Some of the solo artforms found in Vesham, Komma Dasari and scores of other the district are the Bhama Kalapam, Golla art forms are popular. Kalapam and Jamuku Paata. Jamuku Paata

Dappu Vaidyam

87 Most enthralling and scintillating tribal increases integrity among Savaras. There dance form is “Thimsa”. It is ancient art are different forms of dance like Bode form practised in the Eastern Ghats of Thimsa, Gunderi Thimsa, Bagh Thimsa and Srikakulam Dist. A male invites females for so on. In the month of Chaitram the Savaras singing and dancing in group. celebrate a festival called Chaitraparvam.

They sing romantic tales to attract the In the festival people of one village invite females. With simple attire the tribal folk people of the neighbouring village. The male enjoy dancing during festive seasons on the and Female unitedly perform this dance. hills. This dance form is a part of culture of These festivals are called in Savara tribals which spread over all the tribal villages language ‘Sankidi Kelchar’. of North India. Seethampeta village is famous A primitive art form of Savara tribes of for this art form. This Thimsa Dance Srikakulam district is My My Gurram.

Thimsa Dance

88 Those tribal artists at the top of the hill Drum and Flute. One devil holding some lead a life of seclusion without the influence green grass in his hand calls the horse My of the modern civilisation. Illiteracy, poverty My Gurram. Oh! horse! come! Please come!. and simple living with hunger is the order of The dance continues. their life. During festive seasons the artists move Inspite of all these odd things, they are round the village performing the art door-to- fully conscious of their cultural identity. The door. poverty and hunger didn’t prevent them from They buy one Pig and sacrifice it to entertaining and leading the way of life they Goddess and they distribute the meat. While desire following the ancient customs, performing the art they sing a song which traditions and heritage. nerrates the quarrel between wife and One male acts as a horse in full decor husband which ultimately ends in a and dance to the tunes of music played on compromise. ancient instruments like Thudumu Sannai,

My My Gurram

89 Chekka Bhajana singing the stories from youth feel shy of dancing and singing the mythology, dancing round the deities in the age old stories. They are attracted by villages is another important and popular folk modern movie fictions and songs. Thats art form in Srikakulam district. why there is every danger of this art More than 20 artists,wearing uniform becoming extinct. attire,holding chekkas (Percussion This Chekka Bhajana will be performed Instruments) in their hands move round and through out the nights for more than 10 sing the stories of Ramayana. This art form hours. During the auspicious months of is patronized in all the villages in ancient worship like Karthikamasam and during times during festivals. The Kalpatharuvu, a Sriramanavami festival this art will be bronze tree with 108 lights is a special performed. Chekka is an instrument playing attraction of this art form. with right hand in two parts of wood arranging Though the Thirumala Thirupathi tin pieces in the cut gaps to sound musically. Devastanam and some other temples are Muvvalu small metal balls are also fixed to it encouraging the Art form, the educated to give musical sound while playing.

Chekka Bhajana

90 NATURAL HERITAGE

Enchanting Sunnapugedda Water Falls

91 90 Srikakulam is not all about Industries and amidst lush greenery and rocks. Those education. It is not all about agriculture and waterfalls are a delight to anybody. ancient temples. It is also the winter home A study of the ethnomedicine parctices for rare species of birds that migrate from of the aborigines have revealed that ever far off places. probale disease/ailment, fatal or otherwise Situtated about 60 kilometers from has cure hidden in the green leaves, fruit, Srikakulam, the Telineelapuram Bird root or stalk of a specific medicinal herb, Sanctuary is a hive of activity during the and that, these species of plants grow months of October to April. Thousands of within the precincts of the district. Pelicans and Painted Storks from Siberia With over 386 species of medicinal plants descend to make this place their home to having been studied and their efficacy nest and breed. recorded, the door of ancient medicinal practices seem to have been thrown open Sunnapu gedda and Mettuguda, both for modern society to explore, scrutinise and nestling in the district are homes to gushing exploit the benefit of such a study with the water falls which have been enthralling help of modern medicinal practices. visitors by their silvery cascade flowing

Mettuguda Water falls

Left : Telineelapuram Syberian Bird Sanctuary 93 92 Numerous endangered species have Another Bird Sanctuary is situated at been identified and recorded, as the study Telikunchi about 150 kilometers from continues further, it is time for man to realise Srikakulam near Ichapuram. While most of that the secret alleys of nature’s labyrinth the parent birds return by December, the continue to hold the secrets of health and fledglings leave around April when they are make efforts to conserve them, before they strong enough to take the arduous flight completely disappear from the face of the back home. earth.

Natural Heritage

Left : Telkunchi Syberian Bird Sanctuary 95 Another wonder of nature is situated at Tekkali, within the premises of the Government hospital. A very uncommon tree of mammoth proportions has been a cause of intrigue and fascination among the locals. The trunk of the tree bears resemblance to a leg of the elephant and has been aptly christened as the ‘yenugu paadam chettu or the elephant-leg tree by the locals. During the month of July, it bears large bright coloured flowers, which bloom at midnight and shrivel the following noon. Its fruit resembles a big sized gourd. Medicinal Plant Recently, it has been identified as a five banyan tree is situated at ‘Byredlaputtuga’ hundred year old tree, which is known by a village in the Kaviti mandalam. Spread over the name ‘Adansonia’, a native of the tropical an area of above an acre, its root stumps African forests. It has been found to be of number about a hundred, making it immence medicinal value. The acidic pulp impossible to identify the trunk of the tree. of the fruit when used to prepare drinks is The age of the tree is not known, but an refreshing and it helps in relieving stomach age-old tradition of a fair is conducted every disorders and irritations and also cures year during the month of May for a period scurvy. of three days, in honour of a local village A wonder of wonders is the centuries old deity.

94 The centuries old Banyan tree with an unidentifiable trunk. The very mention of natural beauty, conjures up numerous images in various forms. Nature has blessed Srikakulam with beauty in all its forms, be they, beautiful beaches, lush green forests, blue ponds, brilliant sunrises, unending stretches of mountains etc., At a village by name Metturu, situated about 11 Kms from Palasa, a master piece of art created by the five elements of nature is on display. The Yerra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand dunes); is a wonderful spectacle of naturally formed tower’s, which soar magnificently into the sky besides numerous beautifully created spires that decorate the Elephant Leg Tree Tekkali skyline.These formations are a result of the medicinal herbs and plants. The tribal rainwaters cascading down towards the sea communities that have inhabited the region for hundreds of years cutting through the for many millennia have over the ages red sands for ages, that has formed into a accumulated vast knowledge that has been gorge which reaches over 50 feet deep at passed on from generation to generation by places. This gorge is lined by beautiful word of mouth. It was only recently that an formations in red sand on either side, which investigation carried out by a well-known show case the masterpieces of art, sculpted ethnomedicinist from the district revealed the by natures hands. Call it beauty or nature’s secret store of nature’s precious largesse benevolence; the district is a cache of that it endowed to the human race.

95 97 EPILOGUE

The simmering lights at Pydibheemavaram Industrial Estate

Left : Nature’s benevolence, a master piece of art the Red sand dunes 99 98 The northern most tip of the state of harnessing the fertile lands to major irrigation Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam was carved projects to setting up of large scale industries out of the two neighbouring districts of creating major employment avenues. Ganjam and Visakhapatnam on 15th Beginning with the construction of the August 1950. Narayana Puram anicut in 1963 and the Blessed with the perennial water sources Pydigam project during the same period of the Nagavali, the Vamsadhara, the together watered over 45,000 acres of Mahendratanaya and the Bahuda that water land. the fertile lands of the district. Lined with a By the year 1977, the Gotta Barrage sea coast of over 193 kilometers on the was constructed and commissioned eastern side, its landscape dotted with bringing a further 1,40,000 acres of land beautiful hills carpeted with lush green under cultivation. forests and a large population of hard To further harness the available water working people denote its core strengths. resources, the Maddu valasa reservoir Riding on these strengths the district was constructed in 1977. This resulted in has been developing in leaps and bounds a further addition of over fifteen thousand in a varied array of fields, beginning with acres of land brought under irrigation.

The Madduvalasa Reservoir

Left : The Gotta Barrage 101 Agriculture had been the main thrust area acres. of development in the district since its The Ragolu agricultural institute set up as inception. A number of smaller irrigation early as 1956 is another major contributor projects have been taken up in the district. towards the successful implementation of the Kalinga Dal, Dabarsinghi in 1986, Paatu irrigation projects in terms of promoting Bommika, Lokotha Valasa, Jumpar kota better crop management by providing better reservoirs further augmented the proper seed and other related assistance to the utilisation of the water sources. farmer. Today lush green fields, prosperous In 1970 the small farmers of the district farmers and escalating land values are the came under the umbrella of the “Sannakaru signs of prosperity in the district. Raithu Abhivrudhi Samstha”. This institute Another major irrigation project on the worked untiringly towards the betterment of anvil is the Vamsadhara Project, Phase II. the small farmer. As a result today the small Comprising of three reservoirs and a 34 farmers in the district are better placed than kilometer long canal, it is projected to irrigate their counterparts in other parts of the state. a total area of over seventy five thousand The Sri Visakha Grameena Bank was set

Vamsadhara Project Phase - II

102 up in 1976 exclusively to provide financial villages, disrupting normal life and leaving assistance in the form of loans to the farmers behind a trail of devastation. Over the years of the district. Having disbursed loans to a the administration has been able to put in large number of farmers, it is one of the place an effective disaster management in largest organisations working towards the place to cope up with any exigencies in the cause. event of such a calamity taking place. Jute production in the district has been The only one fishing harbour in another area of tremendous growth under Srikakulam District is Bhavanapadu. The the “Krushi Vignana Kendram”. Set up in concrete heaps laid into ocean to stop the 1986, it has been providing yeoman service currents look like outer harbour of to this sector. Today Srikakulam is the Visakhapatnam. By dredging, a natural second largest producer of jute in the state canal of Sea water arranged to draw the of Andhra Pradesh. fishing boats to the shore through the nose Topographically the district is situated in of the harbour. Boating is special attraction a vulnerable zone. Regular floods and storms to tourists. It is at a distance of 70 kms from have devastated large tracts of lands and Srikakulam.

Bhavanapadu Fishing Harbour

103 With massive hills of the Eastern Ghats One of the most beautiful areas is the dotting the landscape, granite is a lucrative Uddanum area. Over 30,000 acres of business in the region. In the international greenery. Almost the entire northeastern market granite sourced in the district is stretch of the district is covered by popular under the trade name ‘Srikakulam orchards, farms and plantations of jack Blue’. It is among the prime varieties that fruit, cashew, coconut, mango and are exported to Europe, USA, Japan and almond. the Arab countries. Almost 80% of the Coconut is grown here in abundance. granite obtained from the mines is Not only as a major source of revenue exported and fetches an annual revenue generation but a vital resource for of over Rs. 80 Crores by way of exports. generation of employment opportunities. The Srikakulam granite belt extends from Coconuts are graded depending on the Narasannapeta in the southwest and runs size and quality before they are shipped in the northeast direction towards Odisha. It all across the country. Coir is another generally occurs in bouldery hill type important allied industry here. deposits.

The Blue Granite quarry

104 With a coastline running a length of 193 Since independence 29 major industries kilometers, fishing has always been a have been set up in the district at a total mainstay business opportunity since ages. cost of 330 crore rupees. Fish to the tune of 2,300 metric tonnes per Providing quality education has not only annum is exported all over the country been an important agenda on the from the district. developmental plans of the district after The salt pans of Naupada have been independence, but srikakulam had the around since the time when the country privilege of housing one of the oldest was going through an upheaval during the schools in the region. freedom struggle. Dr. B.R.Ambedkar University at Etcherla The area has been an important bearing crowns the educational Institutes in the on the salt satyagraha movement. The district. This takes care of the requirement freedom fighters assembled here and of further studies in specialised branches observed the satyagraha movement. It is also of higher education. Well connected by the backdrop of the famous outburst roads the district boasts of a network of over ‘Maakoddee thelladorathanamu’ by the great 2000 kilometers of roadways inter poet Garrimella Satyanarayana. connecting villages and towns. It is Today approximately 5 lakh tonnes of salt connected to the rest of the country via the is exported from the district, and over a third four-lane National highway No 5 that directly of it is produced in Naupada. links it to Madras in the south and Kolkata in the east.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Etcherla

105 Industry forms the backbone of the revenue generation in the district. district. Be it jute, coir, pharmaceutical, to Cashew at Srikakulam is known to be a Titanium extraction plant, Srikakulam crisp and rich in taste. Unlike the usual hosts them all. boiling process, cashew is extracted by a Cashew is almost a synonym to roasting method which gives the cashew Srikakulam. The world’s best cashew is kernels that extra crispiness and rich taste. grown at Palasa, a town on the north The Training and Technology eastern side of the district. The cashew Development Center is a community industry has been one of the prime movers based organisation set up by the of the economy in the district. Not only government to train self help groups on does it provide employment to in large various vocational skills viz., embroidery, numbers, it is also a major source of fashion technology, electrical maintenance

The Training & Technology Development Centre

106 and a host of other income generating Mahatma Gandhi was felicitated with the activities. citation on Ponduru Khadi during his visit to In the maze of modernism, the district still the district. retains its cultural identity. They are many Today the district boasts of a number of individuals and institutions that work towards world-class institutions. The Aditya Institute preserving the rich traditions of yore. of Technology and Management at Tekkali, The Municipal School in Srikakulam was the Sarada Institute of Science Technology built in 1856 as a primary educational and Management at Srikakulam, the GMR institution. It was later upgraded to a high Institute of Engineering and Technology at school in 1884. It is one of the oldest Rajam, a Medical College at Ragolu, a state institutions in India. of the Art Kental Kollege at Srikakulam are but a few of the institutes that serve to It was on the grounds of this school that dispense world class education.

GMR Institute of Engineering & Technology, Rajam

107 Water managment has always been a 2 Kms. This canal empties into a well, which pivotal factor in the regions for hundreds is about 50 feet deep into the ground. The of years. Ponds dug by successive rulers water from this well siphons into another well through the ages made the district fertile in via a duct that connect it to another well, the country. Numerous ponds and water which is situated at a distance of about 300 bodies that have been dug hundreds of feet. years ago not only exist today, but are still The water from this well is carried via a utilised to water the fields today. canal that runs for 34 Kms, which In an attempt to streangthen the watering ultimately empties into the fields. nerves of the district, the government has By virtue of its being the second similar undertaken the construction of the B.R.R. irrigation project in the state of Andhra Vamsadhara project Phase-II. Preadesh, it carries a tag of being a tourist Built to feed water to over 32,582 acres, attraction too. this project is unique in many respects. Located within a beautifully landscaped Built at an approximate cost of Rs. 13,353 natural setting, surrounded by lush green crores, the viaduct, as it is aptly called, is fields, laced by the railway line that connects designed on the principle of well-siphoning the district to the northeastern part of the action. country, it is a signature of the convergence Watered by the Vamsadhara, it consists of technology and natural beauty. of an overhead canal that stands on 122 columns and runs over a distances of over

The scenic Via-duct

108 Building new constructions has been a breadth. A one-inch thick copper ring holds boon and a bane within the purview of the four such plates together. debris of modernishm. Constructions The ring that holds the plates together has involve digging the earth to a certain figurine of a royal insignia moulded at the extent. Larger the proposed building, joint. The insignia bears a mould of Nandi larger the digging required. At times these (the sacred bull), which is emblazoned with diggings have lead to the discovery of the ubiquitious religious symbol; the conch historical artifacts. on all sides. In similar circumstances, a recent digging It is an exact facsimile of a copper plate in a village calld ‘Turaka Sasanam’ and grant issued by the Ananta Varma Choda ‘Saniwada’ threw up two such rare artifacts. Ganga who ruled Kalinga from 1079 A.D A pot containing coins have yet to be studied to 1148 A.D. In all probability these copper and identified, while the copper plate plate inscriptions belong to the same inscriptions unearthed at ‘Saniwada’ are period. similar to artifacts unearthed during an Like the artifacts of yore, that seem to earlier excavation in the vicinity. be playing a game of hide and seek, the These copper plate inscriptions measure cultural spirit of the days gone by seem to about 8½ inches in length and 4 inches in have been lost in the back-alleys of time.

The Yellow metal coins unearthed at Turaka Sasanam

109 The Katha Nilayam, founded by a short ancient spiritual texts to its vast collection. story writer “kalipatnam Rama Rao” is A drive initiated by the government to today an epitome of Telugu literature. The identify and safeguard ancient scriptures world’s largest collection of short stories threw up hundreds of ancient scriptures in Telugu is available here. Every short story on Palmyra leaves on various subjects’ from dailies, weeklies, monthlies, souvenirs viz., astrology, medicine etc. an ancient or any other publication in any part of the library the “Upanished Mandiram” has world is collected and preserved. been rebuilt by ‘INTACH’ to protect further What began as a personal hobby to degeneration of these ancient palm leaf collect Short stories ultimately lead to manuscripts. establishing the “Kadha Nilayam” in A number of such restoration activities February 1997. Today it is known as the are in progress under the aegis of nucleus of Telugu literature with the INTACH. Though the district addition of the Telugu versions of the administration has been making concerted Vadas, the Upanishads and numerous

Katha Nilayam Library

110 efforts to improve the economy and the living common good. conditions of the people, religion still remains Peace and prosperity abound this land a factor of paramount importance. of numerous temples and traditional values. New temples, mosques and churches are As modernisation creeps into its veins, it has built; festivals are celebrated with zest and been able to retain its past glory along with fervour event to this day. One modern temple its cultural identity with avidity and gusto, is the Panchayartana Devalayam, an driven by the undying spirit of the people. ensemble of five temples. Religious The story on stone shall soon be written as congregations are held every week; the story of Srikakulam on a gemstone. yagnas are performed regularly for the

Katha Nilayam

111 I N T A C H Srikakulam District Chapter z The INTACH was founded at National level in 1984 as a membership organization to care for the unprotected heritage sites in the country . Delhi is its head quarters. z The Srikakulam district chapter was started in 1990. The District Collector Dr.S.P.Singh, being the Convener and a local dignitary Mr B.S.Sastry the co-convener. z 2005-2012: Awareness about the need for preservation was taken up at gram panchayath levels in the district. Radio talks,T.V. interviews, publication of books and broachers , rallies, mounting of photo heritage exhibitions on all important occasions, quiz competitions, road shows and heritage tours were organized. z 2006: At a road show at Chennai, the chapter bagged the best presentation award. 2006 under a project of National Mission on Manuscripts, the survey of ancient manuscripts was taken up throughout the district and 2196 manuscripts were identified. z 2006: A National level Rural Art Camp, a work shop for 5 days was conducted to train up the talented tribal youth in painting and traditional Arts. Mrs. Chandanakhan was the source of inspiration who acted as Chief guest. z The District bagged Navarathna award at National level during pooja festivals at Calcutta for the Savara heritage stall mounted. . z Upanishanmandiram the ancient library which was demolished in road widening is restored at a cost of Rs.6.00lakhs. z Eight statues of luminaries of Srikakulam district have sofar been installed on the banks of river Nagavali. z Workshops have been conducted to teachers to run heritage clubs in 100 schools and 40 degree colleges. They are functioning successfully. z Twelve (12) folk art forms were video graphed documented and sent to INTACH New Delhi, and intrun recomended for inclusion in the curriculam of Central University. z The painting of heritage sites on the walls of Srikakulam town successfully completed. z Completed the listing of 150 Heritage sites in the district. z History congress of Kalinga-Andhra was conducted. z Listing of 63 marine heritage sites completed. z Various books like Tharathrala Srikakulam, Chusoddam Srikakulam, and awarness broachers published. * * * *

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